In Class: Review Leo Africanus analysis papers as a class.
Class Activity:
olaudah-equiano_48364t.jpg
Olaudah Equiano was an upper class native of Nigeria before the slave traders raided his West African village. He endured an incredible life journey that included being bought and sold a number of times. Often, his 'masters' promised him freedom, but it wasn't until he bought his own freedom that he was able to write about the horror of slavery. Many historians believe that it was his autobiography that ultimately put an end to slavery in Europe. (The abolition of slavery in America would take many more years.) In fact, his autobiography remains one of the most famous and influential works of literature in the entire world. One of the most important reasons is because of Equiano's recollection of his childhood in Africa. His story shed light on a much different version of the 'Dark Continent' and is often compared to Conrad's Heart of Darkness.
Read chapter one of __Equiano's Autobiography__ and in your group, answer these questions: 1. Is there evidence of a culture in his home country? 2. What aspects of his home are the most different from our culture? 3. In what ways can you tell that he has great affection and respect for his home? 4. In what ways does his autobiography contradict the description of Africa/Africans of Leo Africanus?
Next: In your group, you will create a comparison point by point mobile that focuses on extended thinking and drawing out analysis.
Without a voice King Leopold’s Ghost written by Adam Hochschild tells the story of European’s first exploration of Africa and explains the very first exchanges between European explorers and Africans specifically on the west coast. The chapter you are going to read details one of the very first interactions between European travelers and native Africans. One of the disadvantages that made African especially vulnerable to European domination was their inability to read and write. However, there were a few tribal leaders who, through various means, were able to communicate through written language. Unfortunately, their voice was fruitless against the insatiable appetites of European traders looking for free resources.
Assignment One: __Read the prologue__ to this famous historical text titled "The Traders are Kidnapping our People". As you are reading, pay close attention to the following questions:
How does the written language of King Affonso impact your perception of early colonization?
Why would educated, intelligent, seemingly good ‘Christian’ people so readily believe that Africa was a ‘dark continent’ filled with dangerous people and fearful consequences?
How do myths and superstitions play a role in early colonization? Did they help or hurt the African communities when it comes to defending themselves against aggressors?
Paragraph Due: There are occasions when you are asked to write to a very specific question in a limited amount of space. On those occasions, it is important to limit your claim so that you thoroughly cover all that is needed to answer the question.
Choose one question from the three listed above and answer the question in a well developed paragraph that practices blended quotes, sentence variety, and at least one adverbial conjunction. This paragraph can only be 100 words (and that includes words of all sizes).
Assignment Two: Seek and find for next class. The chapter your just read was the prologue to the story of King Leopold II, the leader of a small country called Belgium. King Leopold II is a fascinating historical figure who we do not study nearly enough. He drawfs Hitler, Pol Pot, and Idi Amin in his desolation of the Congo nation. Prior to coming to class, create a 'MOST WANTED' poster for King Leopold II on an 8x10 piece of paper or larger. Include a picture of Leopold. Beneath the picture, include a description that would fit what he would look like during his time of rule, include a list at least five crimes against humanity that Leopold is wanted for committing These must be actual crimes against humanity as identified by the ICC.), and include any other creative details that make your 'poster' look as authentic as possible. This background knowledge on Leopold is key to our class discussion the next time we meet as well as important for your understanding of our next few pieces.
In Class: Review Leo Africanus analysis papers as a class.
Class Activity:
Olaudah Equiano was an upper class native of Nigeria before the slave traders raided his West African village. He endured an incredible life journey that included being bought and sold a number of times. Often, his 'masters' promised him freedom, but it wasn't until he bought his own freedom that he was able to write about the horror of slavery. Many historians believe that it was his autobiography that ultimately put an end to slavery in Europe. (The abolition of slavery in America would take many more years.) In fact, his autobiography remains one of the most famous and influential works of literature in the entire world. One of the most important reasons is because of Equiano's recollection of his childhood in Africa. His story shed light on a much different version of the 'Dark Continent' and is often compared to Conrad's Heart of Darkness.
Read chapter one of __Equiano's Autobiography__ and in your group, answer these questions:
1. Is there evidence of a culture in his home country?
2. What aspects of his home are the most different from our culture?
3. In what ways can you tell that he has great affection and respect for his home?
4. In what ways does his autobiography contradict the description of Africa/Africans of Leo Africanus?
Next: In your group, you will create a comparison point by point mobile that focuses on extended thinking and drawing out analysis.
Without a voice
King Leopold’s Ghost written by Adam Hochschild tells the story of European’s first exploration of Africa and explains the very first exchanges between European explorers and Africans specifically on the west coast. The chapter you are going to read details one of the very first interactions between European travelers and native Africans. One of the disadvantages that made African especially vulnerable to European domination was their inability to read and write. However, there were a few tribal leaders who, through various means, were able to communicate through written language. Unfortunately, their voice was fruitless against the insatiable appetites of European traders looking for free resources.
Assignment One: __Read the prologue__ to this famous historical text titled "The Traders are Kidnapping our People". As you are reading, pay close attention to the following questions:
How does the written language of King Affonso impact your perception of early colonization?
Why would educated, intelligent, seemingly good ‘Christian’ people so readily believe that Africa was a ‘dark continent’ filled with dangerous people and fearful consequences?
How do myths and superstitions play a role in early colonization? Did they help or hurt the African communities when it comes to defending themselves against aggressors?
Paragraph Due: There are occasions when you are asked to write to a very specific question in a limited amount of space. On those occasions, it is important to limit your claim so that you thoroughly cover all that is needed to answer the question.
Choose one question from the three listed above and answer the question in a well developed paragraph that practices blended quotes, sentence variety, and at least one adverbial conjunction. This paragraph can only be 100 words (and that includes words of all sizes).
Assignment Two: Seek and find for next class. The chapter your just read was the prologue to the story of King Leopold II, the leader of a small country called Belgium. King Leopold II is a fascinating historical figure who we do not study nearly enough. He drawfs Hitler, Pol Pot, and Idi Amin in his desolation of the Congo nation. Prior to coming to class, create a 'MOST WANTED' poster for King Leopold II on an 8x10 piece of paper or larger. Include a picture of Leopold. Beneath the picture, include a description that would fit what he would look like during his time of rule, include a list at least five crimes against humanity that Leopold is wanted for committing
These must be actual crimes against humanity as identified by the ICC.), and include any other creative details that make your 'poster' look as authentic as possible. This background knowledge on Leopold is key to our class discussion the next time we meet as well as important for your understanding of our next few pieces.